7 Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
If you’re about to get a dental implant, you might be wondering what’s coming up ahead. What is it? Will it hurt? Will it fix all of my damaged teeth? Keep reading to find out the answer to these and more questions.
1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the root of missing teeth. They are inserted into the jawbone with a minor surgical procedure in the dental office. After the implant has been placed in the jawbone, a complete lifelike porcelain tooth (that can withstand chewing and everyday use) is placed and attached into the base.
Sometimes the implant needs to fuse with the bone for several months before it is permanently crowned, and in other cases the patient can have temporary teeth put on the same day their implants are placed.
2. How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
From a single tooth to all of the teeth can be replaced with implants. Patients usually don’t need one implant for every missing tooth. Just as few as two implants can support a removable lower denture. And up to four can provide a permanent set for top or bottom teeth.
3. Is it painful?
With proper anesthetics and a professional taking care of your teeth, this procedure can be as painful or as painless as taking a band-aid off. It is very easy to tolerate. Any post-operative discomfort can be easily handled with over the counter pain nonopioid painkillers and ice.
4. Are implants expensive?
Implants tend to be more expensive than other tooth-replacement methods, such as dentures or bridgework. But they last years longer and are not likely to be replaced. So they are the best long-term permanent solution for your oral health.
5. How do I take care of dental implants?
You take care of them the same way you would as in your natural teeth, brushing, mouthwash and flossing. These implants never decay, albeit the gum tissue surrounding them might become inflamed, but with general everyday dental care your implants are safe.
6. Can my body reject a dental implant?
Implants are made from an inert material, this means they contain no living cells. The titanium of which they are made of is biocompatible so your body won’t reject an implant. There is no need for costly immunomodulation medication, and allergies to these sorts of materials are below 1%. Implants can fail to integrate to jawbone if an infection is present, but this is also rare. Implants have a success rate of 95%.
7. How do I know if I need an implant?
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you are in need of one. Nonetheless, you can only be 100% sure if you visit your dentist and talk to that healthcare professional about it. This consultation usually involves a minimally invasive X-Ray of your jawbone. So consult and don’t be afraid to ask your dentist about them.